Finding the Right Registered Agent for Your Business and Why You Need One

Starting a business of your own is an exciting experience but it can be daunting at times with the multitudes of requirements to meet and paperwork to complete. Making sure that your business has everything it needs to operate is as important as the right product. Finding the right registered agent that you can trust that will not let you down is an important part of structuring your company.

What is a registered agent?

The United States business law states that a registered agent is a designated person that receives all SOPs (service of process). It is also known as a statutory agent or a resident agent. This is done when a business entity is involved with legal action including a summons or lawsuit. The address given by the registered agent is also where paperwork can be sent when a business entity needs to renew their charter, if it is necessary. Tax forms and any communication with the Secretary of State are done on behalf of the LLC or corporation.

The registered agent can be an employee within the company, and officer or a third party. Finding an agent that has experience in dealing with the important paperwork that is involved is often advised over an individual who has no experience in such matters.

Why does my company need a registered agent?

Any corporation within the United States that does not have a physical address in the State that the company is registered in requires a registered agent to receive official documents on their behalf. The State requires a contact for the company at all times. The majority of jurisdictions in the U.S. require that businesses maintain a registered agent. A legal address is required by the State and a P.O. Box does not fill this role. Failing to adhere to these requirements can give rise to penalty fees as well as the revoking of the LLC or corporation’s legal status.

How do I locate a trustworthy registered agent?

With a position of such importance, it is advised to find a trustworthy third party agent to ensure that all correspondence with the Secretary of State is handled professionally and timely. When searching for an agent, there are a few important factors that can make one company stand above the rest. Having ample experience is a cornerstone to a reliable service, including automated procedures to ensure timely notifications. It should be available to the state where your company is registered. Accurate record keeping is a crucial part of a good agent to ensure that all information is on hand when it is needed. Third party agents should also be equipped to answer any and all questions you may have regarding procedures and paperwork.

Meeting all of these requirements is what makes a good registered agent, ensuring the legality of your corporation or LLC. Companies such as Inc. Plan (USA) offer affordable registered agent services that are available to corporations and LLCs across all 50 states in the America. They meet all of the requirements and can, in some cases, save their clients substantial money by helping to designate someone in the company as a registered agent. Speak with them today to see what they can do to help you and your business.